The nonprofit is celebrating 125 years by expanding its Center for Women and Children

Some things get better with age, like Wheeler Mission Ministries. This month the nonprofit turns 125 and it’s celebrating by expanding its Center for Women and Children.

I sat down with Wheeler’s president, Rick Alvis and his wife, Julie to find out what Indianapolis might look like without Wheeler Mission.

When asked the question they glanced at each other and laughed.

“When people think of Wheeler, they think of 245 North Delaware,” said Alvis. “They don’t see everything else we’ve been doing in the community for all of these years.”

That’s true. Wheeler is much bigger than the modest building with the neon sign that says, “Jesus saves.” Wheeler has expanded to nine locations with dozens of programs serving people in Indianapolis and Bloomington. In 2017, Wheeler served more than 8,800 different individuals and provided more than 347,000 meals.

Julie Alvis and her husband Rick Alvis, the President of Wheeler Mission Ministries celebrating its 125th anniversary.(Photo11: Gary Varvel)

Julie and Rick Alvis came to Wheeler in 1990 to lead a staff of 17 people and an annual operating budget of $700,000.

Today, Wheeler has a staff of nearly 180 and a budget of $15 million. And get this: The organization operates using no government money.

“It’s been marvelous at how the Lord has provided,” Alvis said.

Marvelous is an understatement. Eighty-five percent of donations to Wheeler are from private individuals. The average gift is only $78. Wheeler also receives some gifts from corporations and foundations. But most of that money goes into capital projects, not for operating expenses.

“Homeless women and children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population,” said Julie Alvis.

Nearly every woman who enters the doors of a center like Wheeler has experienced some physical abuse, domestic violence or sexual victimization. Wheeler’s current women’s center is at full capacity serving 100 women a night with some families sleeping on cots in a gymnasium because there is no room in the dorm.

This is why Wheeler is planning to double the capacity of its Women's Center.

The report claims a socio-economic benefit in taxpayer savings of $9.42 for every $1 in government spending. Or $119 million in savings over three years.

“Indianapolis is the only city of our size that does not have a municipally-run shelter,” Alvis said. “And basically what the study said was if it wasn’t for Wheeler Mission, Indianapolis would be in big trouble.”

That’s why Julie and Rick Alvis laughed when asked about an Indianapolis without Wheeler.

And that fact is not lost on local officials. Indianapolis’ Deputy Mayor Jeff Bennett said, “Wheeler has become a part of our city’s civic DNA.”

“By providing vital emergency shelter, Wheeler’s work has allowed the city and our partners to focus increased resources on the development and deployment of permanent supportive housing and expansion of essential wraparound services.”

In other words, since Wheeler is servicing the needs of the most vulnerable among us, the city is able to spend money on other things.

What drew the Alvis' to this ministry?

“Seeing the lives that have changed, especially the ones who have been in drug and alcohol addiction, said Alvis. “To see them come out of that. We always refer to that as ‘pay day’ around here.

So what is the secret to achieving 'pay day?'

“Relationship building,” said Julie Alvis. “That is the key to why our programs work. It’s Biblically based. The Lord created us for relationships — relationship with Him and relationship with others. People in addiction have lost all of their relationships.”

“The family unit, the way God intended, has broken down,” Julie Alvis said. “For these women there is nothing stable in their lives. To many of the women, we have to be like a mom to them and instruct them on how to raise their kids, how to get a job. Basic life skills that most people already know.”

Wheeler is a non-denominational, Christian, social services organization that is open to anyone. But the Alvis’ admit that a high percentage become Christians after going through the seven-month program.

“It’s not that we’re cramming the Bible down their throat. It’s just a natural kind of melting of their heart,” Alvis said.

An example of its success is that many of Wheeler’s current counselors were once addicts who were in the program themselves. After going through rigorous training in counseling, they are now working to change others' lives.

As successful as Wheeler's addiction recovery programs have been, homeless people still roam the streets of Indy. So how can we help?

“The best thing to do, I think, is not to give them money. Send them to us,” Alvis said.

A couple of years ago, Alvis was approached by a man asking for money for food. Alvis said, “Why don’t you go down to Wheeler Mission?”

“Oh, they don’t serve lunch down there any more,” the man said.

“You are kidding me!” said Alvis. “You know, I’m the president of Wheeler. No one told me we stopped serving meals.” The man abruptly turned and walked away.

You can't help those who don't want help. But for those who do, Wheeler has been there for the past 125 years. And without Wheeler, Indianapolis would look a lot different.

Contact Varvel at gary.varvel@indystar.com. Friend him on Facebook at Gary Varvel and follow him on Twitter: @varvel.

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Brandi Moran, right, gets a big and supportive from Wheeler Center for Women & Children Director Colleen Gore after a press conference at the Wheeler Center for Women & Children, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. Moran spoke at the press conference about living at the center, getting help and now working there. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Indianapolis Colts Vice Chair and Owner Kalen Jackson listens during a press conference at the Wheeler Center for Women & Children, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. At left is seen an artist's early rendering of the shelter additions. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Wheeler President and CEO Rick Alvis, from left, Brandi Moran (former resident and present employee at Wheeler's women center), Indiana Region Huntington President John Corbin, and Colts Vice Chair and Owner Kalen Jackson hold a giant donation check during a press conference at the Wheeler Center for Women & Children, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Wheeler President and CEO Rick Alvis, left, and Brandi Moran (former resident and present employee at Wheeler's women center), center, stand with others after a press conference at the Wheeler Center for Women & Children, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Indiana Region Huntington President John Corbin, from left, Colts Vice Chair and Owner Kalen Jackson, and Brandi Moran stand together after a press conference at the Wheeler Center for Women & Children, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Inspirational sayings and Bible verses are seen throughout the Wheeler Center for Women & Children, seen Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children Director Colleen Gore shows a box with a candle made in the center's Restored Creations business, as she gives a tour of the center, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. The Addiction Recovery women have built a business selling handcrafted items like the candles. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children Director Colleen Gore, right, gives a tour of the center, showing the contingency shelter area, to Wheeler President and CEO Rick Alvis, from left, Colts Vice Chair and Owner Kalen Jackson, and Colts Director of Community Relations Stephanie Cassel, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Wheeler President and CEO Rick Alvis speaks during a press conference at the Wheeler Center for Women & Children, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children Director Colleen Gore, center, tells residents Danae Davidson and Sharon Jenkins about plans for expanding the center, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children Director Colleen Gore, right, gives a tour to Colts Vice Chair and Owner Kalen Jackson, showing one of the center's sleeping rooms, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children Director Colleen Gore, right, gives a tour to Colts Vice Chair and Owner Kalen Jackson, showing one of the center's sleeping rooms, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

An inspirational note is seen on a mirror in one of the rooms, as a tour is given at the Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children Director Colleen Gore, right, gives a tour to Colts Vice Chair and Owner Kalen Jackson, showing the place where Restored Creations work is done, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. The Addiction Recovery women have built a business selling handcrafted items in the Restored Creations business, acting a therapeutic outlet in an enterprise and empowering business setting. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

Tanya Paschal shows candles made in the Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children's Restored Creations business, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. The Addiction Recovery women have built a business selling handcrafted items like the candles. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

A t-shirt with the #I am Restored hangs in the Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children's Restored Creations business, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. The Addiction Recovery women have built a business selling handcrafted items like the candles. After the press conference announcing the donation, Colts Vice Chair and Owner Kalen Jackson, right, took a tour of the center. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar

This is the overflow, contingency area where women can stay at the Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children, Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family announced that they are donating $100,000 to Wheeler Mission to help expand its Center for Women and Children. The shelter is an emergency shelter and has long-term programs for homeless women with children. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar